I had a chance to talk with Christian Stoll from Aurora Behavioral this week about the different inpatient and outpatient programs offered at Aurora.  What is CBT?  Remember when Selena Gomez told us she was finding mental happiness through DBT?  We dig into these mental health acronyms and how many people can benefit from them.  We'll also find out how do you manage these programs with your job and an already busy schedule?  They also offer some awesome programs for Veterans RAN BY veterans.  

Get more info about the programs at Aurora Behavioral Health at www.aurora.org/abhs 

The Grand Avenue Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin embraces the "Clubhouse Model" of rehabilitation for those with mental illness, and helps them enter the workforce.  The club is run by members, for members, and there are hundreds of "clubhouses" located around the globe.  You'll meet Jose, who is a member of the Grand Avenue Club, and the Executive Director of the club, Dr. Rachel Forman - as well as some of the awesome members of this incredible organization.  

How about a spooky ghost story for the holidays this year?  My friend Anna from www.gothicmilwaukee.com came in to tell the story of Captain Santa and his Christmas Tree ship that was due for Chicago and went missing.  A haunting tale of maritime mishaps that will tingle the spine!  Grab a hot toddy or a moose mug of egg nog, and toss on your new noise canceling headphones (this spooky story is set with music and sound effects...I spent some time on it just for you).  Enjoy and thanks again to Anna for her amazing storytelling skills!  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - I'll talk to you in 2019.  I appreciate you for listening to my podcasts, it really means a lot.   

Thank you. 

Riggs

:o)

VOTE FOR PEDRO!!! He was one of the most iconic characters from 2004's Napoleon Dynamite - he ran for class president.  Who can forget PEDRO!?  Napoleon Dynamite is celebrating over 15 years since the release, and touring the country - showing the movie and doing a Q&A session afterwards with some of the stars of the film.  I caught up with Efren Ramirez, who played Pedro in the classic film, about what he's been up to, what you can expect at the live Q&A with the cast, and even got in a little political discussion, oddly enough - as this interview took place the day after the Thousand Oaks shooting in California, right by where he lives...Check out PEDRO on this week's Riggs OFF the radio podcast.  

Our new Midday Guy, JMatt is a fellow outspoken mental health advocate.  This week,  I'm catching up with who I have dubbed the "master of challenges" on social media.  If its pushups for mental health awareness, or his 30 day break the stigma "Insta Story" challenge, he always finds a way to keep the discussion going about mental health.  We discuss his challenges, and personal struggles with his own mental health.  Plus - Man or woman therapist?  Solo or group therapy?  And why is there still a stigma around therapy?  Find JMatt everywhere on social - @JMattMKE 

If you or someone you know is suffering or feeling alone, there's always help.  Like, really.  The national suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.